Office of the Secretary of StateDepartment of State125 West State StreetTrenton, NJ 08625

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 27, 2009

CONTACT: PRESS OFFICE (609-777-0830)MUSEUM (609-777-0572)

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey State Museum will make funding available to interested school groups that find the cost of transportation or entry fees prohibitive to planning museum trips for students. Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells today announced the funding was made possible by generous donations from private funders to ensure that during unstable economic times, students will have the valuable opportunity to enjoy the collections, exhibitions and wonderful educational programs at the State Museum.

"In an era of increasing visual and participatory learning, museums and other cultural organizations offer experiences that will change the lives of the next generation, despite times of economic instability," noted Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells. "During these tough economic times, the State Museum remains dedicated to providing school groups with alternate and creative means to visit the Museum and explore the natural and cultural diversity housed within its historic walls."

Transportation funding for school visits has been made possible by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Merck & Co., Inc. and Atlantic City Electric.

"The Museum is so thankful for the generous funding that will provide the much-needed financial support to schools across the state," said Eric Pryor, the Museum's executive director. "Many school groups will now have the opportunity to explore our sensory-rich museum exhibits in ways that promote keen observation and independent thinking and to discover and experience the stories of New Jersey's rich and exciting past."

Interested schools should contact the New Jersey State Museum for more funding information at (609) 292-6310.

The New Jersey State Museum offers an exciting range of family-friendly programs and events throughout the school year. For more information on the New Jersey State Museum, visit www.newjerseystatemuseum.org.

To learn more about the diverse array of services and programs located within the Department of State, visit www.state.nj.us/state.